By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja

The Auditor-General for Local Governments in Kogi State, Dr. Yakubu Siyaka Adabenege, has sounded the alarm over the critical staff shortage threatening the functionality of his office.
Adabenege disclosed this during the ongoing 2025 Kogi Ministerial Budget Defence session at the State House of Assembly in Lokoja on Wednesday.

He revealed that the office currently operates with only 18 permanent and pensionable staff, a figure he described as grossly inadequate to handle the responsibilities of the office.

“The office is on the brink of extinction if urgent action is not taken to address the acute shortage of personnel,” Adabenege stated, emphasizing the pressing need for the recruitment of new staff. He explained that many staff members had retired, while others were on the verge of retirement.

To mitigate the staffing crisis, the former Auditor-General, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, who is now the Executive Governor of Kogi State, previously engaged 45 fresh graduates as temporary staff. Their salaries were paid from the one percent capital receipt allocation.

Adabenege urged the House of Assembly to approve the employment of these temporary staff as permanent employees of the state government.

“We appeal to this Honourable House to consider and approve the employment of these temporary staff to ensure the continuity and efficiency of our operations,” he said.

The Auditor-General further called on the Assembly to intervene in increasing the office’s monthly overhead allocation, stating that the current funding is insufficient to meet the financial demands of the office.

Additionally, Adabenege requested the House’s support in enforcing the independent status of the Auditor-General for Local Governments as stipulated in Section 13 of the 2021 Local Government Audit Law.

“The independence of this office, as provided for in the law, is critical to its effectiveness and credibility,” he added.

The Auditor-General’s plea underscores the urgent need for structural and financial reforms to strengthen the operations of the office and ensure its sustainability.

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

In a bid to boost economic activities and improve livelihoods in his constituency, Senator Mustapha Khabeeb, representing Jigawa Southwest Senatorial District, has distributed 900 goats to 300 beneficiaries.

The empowerment program, held at the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) Secretariat in Dutse, is part of the senator’s ongoing initiatives to address economic challenges and create sustainable income opportunities for his constituents.

Speaking through the PDP Zonal Chairman for Jigawa Central, Hon. Idris Ilyasu Danlawan, Senator Khabeeb explained that the initiative is designed to equip beneficiaries with the means to enhance their economic stability. Before the distribution, the beneficiaries underwent training on animal husbandry, including goat care and management, to ensure they maximize the benefits of the program.
“This initiative underscores our commitment to improving the economic well-being of our people, especially women, who are most affected by the current economic challenges. By empowering them, we uplift the majority in our constituency.”
The senator explained that each beneficiary received three goats, two females and one male of a special breed known for producing at least two kids every six months.
He expressed optimism that the investment would multiply significantly within a short period, providing a steady source of income for the recipients.

Hon. Danlawan noted that the distribution was one of many empowerment programs initiated by Senator Khabeeb. He assured constituents that more initiatives would follow, benefitting all regardless of their political affiliations.

PDP State Secretary, Alhaji Isah Gwadayi, commended Senator Khabeeb for his dedication to the welfare of his constituents, describing the empowerment as an example of effective representation.
“The performance of Senator Khabeeb and other PDP representatives in Jigawa is a source of pride for our party. Their efforts enhance the image of the PDP and reflect the party’s commitment to the needs of the people,” he said.
Gwadayi congratulated the beneficiaries and urged them to adhere to the training they received to achieve maximum results.
He cautioned against selling the goats and encouraged patience among those yet to benefit, assuring them it would soon be their turn
He further called on the people of Jigawa and Nigerians to support the PDP in the 2027 elections, emphasizing that the party remains the most committed to addressing the needs of the people.

The First Lady of Kogi State, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, has called on young people to be vigilant against the negative influences of social media and focus on making positive choices that will secure a prosperous future.

Hajia Ododo made the appeal in Okene during the 16 Days of Activism and Awareness Campaign on the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls, which took place at the Palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland on Monday.

The First Lady expressed concern over the growing moral challenges faced by youth, particularly young women, on social media. She advised them to avoid engaging in activities that negatively reflect on womanhood, urging them instead to make choices that align with their values and dignity.

Addressing the alarming involvement of young people in vices such as internet fraud, Mrs. Ododo emphasized the importance of acquiring entrepreneurial skills, especially in fields like Information and Communication Technology (ICT), to build a sustainable and independent future. She urged youth to steer away from destructive behaviors and instead focus on self-reliance.

Hajia Sefinat also appealed to parents to take an active role in shaping their children’s futures, urging them to take advantage of the free education provided by the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo. She encouraged parents to ensure their children are enrolled in school to help them realize their full potential.

The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Ahmed Muhammed Tijani Anaje, also spoke at the event, stressing the importance of peace, love, respect, and discipline within the family. He urged fathers to fulfill their responsibilities as family heads and called on traditional rulers in Ebiraland to avoid rewarding negative practices, instead promoting good examples in their communities.

Maryam Abedo, Director General of the Kogi State Pension Commission, also offered a goodwill message, urging women to speak out against any form of molestation before and after marriage. She stressed the importance of reporting such incidents to the appropriate authorities and advised parents to develop a closer relationship with their children so they can confide in them about any challenges they face.

Mrs. Abedo further urged parents to instill proper values in their sons, teaching them how to treat their spouses with respect. She encouraged couples to foster mutual respect, creating a stronger, healthier society that can raise godly children.

Media Office of the Kogi State First Lady
December 10, 2024